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Paraquat Exposure

Paraquat is a popular herbicide used primarily for weed and grass control. It is classified as restricted use by the EPA, and only licensed applicators are allowed to handle the toxic chemical. Paraquat is extremely poisonous, and exposure may cause severe reactions.[1] The Agricultural Health Study reported that farmers who worked with paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.[2] If you were exposed to paraquat through work or proximity to a farm and have developed Parkinson’s disease, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact Counsel Hound for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

Paraquat Exposure

Parkinson’s Disease

A study by AHS found that those who worked with paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease compared to those who did not work the chemical. The risk of developing the disease from paraquat exposure was increased if the worker did not regularly wear gloves.[3] Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder primarily affecting movement. The symptoms of Parkinson’s develop slowly over the years, and it often makes daily tasks difficult for those diagnosed. Approximately one million people in the U.S. are living with the neurodegenerative disease. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but supportive care treatments are available.[4]
Symptoms include:
  • Tremors
  • Limb rigidity
  • Loss of balance
  • Difficulty speaking

Paraquat Exposure

In the U.S., paraquat contains safeguard additives to protect people from exposure and poisoning:
  • Blue dye to prevent confusion with other beverages,
  • Vomit inducing agent to protect people from ingesting,
  • Sharp odor, serving as a chemical warning.

Paraquat exposure is most often due to ingesting the chemical. Skin exposure can also cause poisoning depending on the length of exposure, the concentration of paraquat, and the condition of affected skin. Inhaling paraquat is another cause of poisoning, and it can result in lung damage. Workers licensed to apply paraquat are the most at risk for exposure.

Ingestion, skin exposure, and inhalation are common causes of exposure that can lead to the victim being poisoned. The extent and harmfulness of the poisoning depends on the type, amount, and duration of exposure to paraquat. The most direct and immediately harmful damage occurs when the chemical comes into contact with the lining of the mouth, stomach, or intestines. Paraquat is distributed throughout the body after exposure and causes toxic reactions to occur throughout the entire body. The organs that are typically most affected include kidneys, liver, and lungs.[5]

There is no cure or antidote for paraquat poisoning. The first step in treatment is decontamination: removing paraquat from the body. If the victim was exposed orally, activated charcoal might be administered to prevent further absorption. If the ingestion-caused poisoning is treated within an hour of exposure, nasogastric suction may be utilized. There is no cure for paraquat poisoning, but supportive care measures are available to those affected. Options include intravenous fluids, medications, ventilators, and dialysis. Oxygen administration may worsen paraquat poisoning, so it should be avoided if possible. The method of support care varies depending on the cause and extent of poisoning.[6]

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the method of exposure and the amount/concentration of paraquat.
Signs of a small to medium amount of paraquat ingestion may take effect within days to weeks of exposure:
  • Heart failure
  • Liver failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Lung scarring
Signs of a large amount of paraquat ingestion are usually visible within hours or days of exposure:
  • Seizures,
  • Confusion,
  • Fast heart rate,
  • Muscle weakness,
  • Pulmonary edema,
  • Coma,
  • Heart injury,
  • Lung scarring,
  • Respiratory failure,
  • Liver Failure,
  • Kidney failure,
  • Death.
The CDC notes that ingesting a large amount of paraquat will likely lead to death.[7]
Exposure to paraquat has been linked to Parkinson’s disease in the long term.[8]

Compensation

Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease can leave you with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Our Counsel Hound lawyers will work to maximize your settlement or award. Types of compensation you may be eligible for include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages:
  • If you incurred medical expenses related to your diagnosis and treatment, we would work to have you reimbursed.
  • If the exposure or disease forced you to miss work or suffer a wage decrease at a new position, we would prove your losses with timesheets.
  • If you lost a loved one to paraquat Parkinson’s, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Non-Economic Damages:
Some damages cannot be proven with lost wages, property damages, etc., and you and your loved ones may face emotional suffering as a result of the disease. Our lawyers will work to include all available compensation in your case.

Why file a lawsuit?

Filing a paraquat claim can help:
  • Victims of paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease focus on health and treatment.
  • Families afford the cost of their loved one’s medical and funeral expenses.
  • Hold manufacturers and companies accountable for paraquat negligence.
  • Encourage other victims of paraquat exposure to seek fair compensation for their injuries.

FAQs

The amount of time you have to file a paraquat claim depends on the statute of limitations in your state. Contact Counsel Hound to discuss your eligibility.
Counsel Hound offers no-cost consultations and case evaluations. Many lawyers work on a contingency fee meaning the attorney fees come from your settlement award once you win. If there is no recovery, you will not have to pay anything.

REFERENCES

  1. https://emergency.cdc.gov/ agent/paraquat /basics/facts.asp
  2. https://aghealth.nih.gov/ news/AHSUpdate 2015.pdf#search =paraquat
  3. https://aghealth.nih.gov/ news/AHSUpdate 2015.pdf#search=paraquat
  4. https://www.parkinson.org /understanding-park insons/what-is-parkinsons
  5. https://emergency.cdc.gov /agent/paraquat /basics/facts.asp
  6. https://emergency.cdc.gov/ agent/paraquat /basics/facts.asp
  7. https://emergency.cdc.gov/ agent/paraquat /basics/facts.asp
  8. https://aghealth.nih.gov/ news/AHSUpdate2015 .pdf#search=paraquat

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Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!